MINNEAPOLIS — With his first swing of the day on Saturday, José Ramírez made history.
Ramírez blasted a first-inning solo homer off Twins starter Joe Ryan, his 30th of the season. That made him the first player in franchise history with three 30-30 seasons — as in, 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases.
He’s also the second switch-hitter and second third baseman in MLB history with three 30-30 seasons, joining former Mets slugger Howard Johnson in both categories. Besides Ramírez and Johnson, only Alfonsio Soriano (four times), Bobby Bonds (five) and Barry Bonds (five) have more than two 30-30 seasons.
It’s already been a historic weekend for Ramírez, who stole his 40th base of the season on Friday night. Coupled with his 41-steal season last year, it made him the fourth player in franchise history with at least two 40-steal seasons, joining Kenny Lofton (six times), Omar Vizquel (twice) and Brett Butler (twice) in that exclusive club.
Also, only Ramírez, Bobby Bonds (four times), Barry Bonds (twice) and Soriano (twice) have multiple 30-homer, 40-steal seasons. And with 31 doubles on the season, Ramírez joins Barry Bonds (three times) and Soriano (four times) as the only players with three 30-30-30 seasons — as in home runs, doubles and stolen bases.
